Roy Williams, Marcus Paige and Justin Jackson met the media today ahead of Tuesday's 9:30 PM showdown with #2 Maryland in the ACC/B1G Challenge. The one big question had already been answered earlier in the day with ESPN's initial report and UNC's confirmation that Marcus Paige would indeed return to action.
Knowing Paige is returning led to the next big question: Who will he replace in the starting lineup?
Williams said it wasn't "100 percent" but "more than likely" Paige replaces Theo Pinson in the starting lineup. Neither Joel Berry or Theo Pinson were consistent in Paige's six game absence. Both did hit big threes against Kansas State in the Tar Heels come from behind win in the CBE Hall of Fame Classic.
With the way Williams rotates players, the starting lineup isn't as relevant as it might be if UNC operated with a short bench. There will be healthy doses of Pinson in the game and Paige at the point guard. Still, if it is Berry and Paige, Williams seems to be leaning towards putting the best possible offensive unit on the floor, at least to start the game.